Former NBA star Dwyane Wade recently shared an amusing detail about his friendship and personal relationship with LeBron James. Fans know that Wade is a three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat and achieved his most significant career success while playing alongside James.
The two led the Heat to four NBA Finals series and won back-to-back NBA championships, cementing their position in league history. Although it has been a few years since Wade retired, he has continued to be associated with league activities. James’ recent actions led his former teammate to share a hidden fact about their bond.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Do Not Have a Special Handshake
Although such gestures may appear insignificant to many fans, handshakes and other forms of greetings between teammates are often regarded as indicators of team chemistry and personal relationships.
When James was spotted on the sidelines sharing a quick and normal dap with Wade, the commentator interpreted what was being said between them: “We don’t even have a handshake; he has a handshake with everyone in LA.”
“We don’t even have a handshake, he has a handshake with everyone in LA.”@DwyaneWade 🤝 @KingJames 😂 pic.twitter.com/XoXwleiUaS
— NBA (@NBA) November 29, 2025
While the reason James and Wade never developed a signature handshake remains unclear, James is clearly regarded differently by his current teammates on the Lakers compared with his time on the Heat.
James is widely seen as a leader and mentor to most of the Lakers’ roster, and his practice of establishing individual handshakes with teammates may serve to strengthen relationships — something he simply never did with Wade.
That is amusing to note, but it does nothing to diminish their accomplishments together. A case could be made that Wade is the star with whom James has found the most success in his career. During their time together on the Heat, a trip to the NBA Finals was always inevitable.
Although Wade is no longer in the league, he can still watch his former teammate attempt to win another title with the Lakers. This also speaks to James’ longevity and his ability to sustain a career far longer than most other stars in league history.
Ultimately, the bond between James and Wade likely extends well beyond the basketball court. Having shared success and known each other since the start of their careers, the two Hall of Famers may yet decide to create a signature handshake of their own.
